Top 10 80s One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were AWESOME
#10: Don Johnson
Top 20 80s One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were AWESOME
“Heartbeat” (1986) It isn’t uncommon at all for actors to try their hands at creating music. While Don Johnson was co-leading the show “Miami Vice”, he released his debut single, “Heartbeat”. The song’s slick visuals and expensive music video mimics the style-and-substance excess of Johnson’s hit show. And it helps that the chorus of “Heartbeat” is instantly memorable and sounds epic. Although the production is super processed and ultra-eighties, that isn’t a bad thing for the song. Johnson’s performative emoting and the video’s dramatic narrative showed he was dedicated to making music. Unfortunately, Johnson’s follow up song “Heartache Away” didn’t achieve the same level of success.
#9: Taco
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1982) Although one-hit wonders don't have to be cheeky or weird, they can really stand out when they are. This was definitely the case with Taco’s cover of the Irving Berlin song, “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” It became his only top 5 hit in the U.S. back in 1982, shot to the top of charts in Germany and even reached the number one slot in Finland! “Puttin’ on the Ritz” is quirky and absolutely soaked in processed ‘80s synthesizers. While Taco puts in a performance that may not be traditionally “good,” it’s definitely memorable. But it’s still a one-off song that feels as distinctly 80s as hairspray and shoulder pads.
#8: Stacey Q
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“Two of Hearts” (1986) Stacey Q is a California-born singer who’s been able to find success in the worlds of movies and music. Her synth-pop band, SSQ, earned cult status with the material penned for classic horror film “The Return of the Living Dead,” [1] But the biggest hit of Stacey’s solo career had to be 1986’s “Two of Hearts.” The song is infectious right from the jump. It boasts an energetic backbeat, electric synth and Stacey’s warm and appealing vocals. The singer proved that she could come across as both sinister and sweet. None of her other tracks quite captured the magic of “Two Of Hearts”. However, it will always serve as the perfect B-side for Stacey Q’s darker work in the horror realm.
#7: Shannon
“Let the Music Play” (1983) R&B singer Shannon may have earned a couple of number one hits on the U.S. dance charts over the course of her career, but “Let the Music Play” remains her biggest achievement on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s easy to see why this smooth jam benefits greatly from Shannon’s personable and melodic vocals. She manages to create a great chorus with the song, while the instrumentation also does exactly what it’s supposed to: get bodies on the floor. “Let the Music Play” is a great throwback to an R&B era that’s old school, but never dated. In fact, consider this one timeless.
#6: Tommy Tutone
“867-5309/Jenny” (1981) Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, the power pop subgenre was absolutely everywhere thanks to pioneers like Cheap Trick and Blondie. The group known as Tommy Tutone took full advantage of the trend to achieve modest chart success with “Angel Say No.” However, the song for the band will always be associated with is “867-5309/Jenny”. The track absolutely rocks thanks to a killer opening guitar melody, awesome guitar solo and instantly memorable lyrics. It’s basically songwriting 101 for anyone searching to write a hit pop tune. The only people that were unhappy with this Tommy Tutone classic are people who actually had this phone number.
#5: Quarterflash
"Harden My Heart” (1981) Some songs just have a timeless quality to them due to a mixture of nostalgia and vitality that keeps them in the public consciousness. “Harden My Heart” is definitely one of those track. This awesomely moody and memorable hit song comes from the Oregon-based group Quarterflash. Rindy Ross is front and center of the songs’ success. Her plaintive, melancholic vocals and excellent saxophone playing work perfectly with the emotive guitar and insistent, bass-driven groove. Near the song’s finale, the song becomes so urgent and powerful that we just can’t get enough. “Harden My Heart” was unquestionably this band’s biggest smash. It’s a shame more people don’t remember Quarterflash’s impressive effort.
#4: Baltimora
“Tarzan Boy” (1985) If you’re looking for a truly unique musical rabbit hole to explore, may we suggest the wild world of Italo-Disco? This synth-obsessed subgenre provided countless single hits and strange music videos for fans to uncover. One of the most popular one-hit wonder tracks came courtesy of Baltimora with their hit, “Tarzan Boy.” The music video is a fever dream of hazy visuals and excessive makeup. But don’t let those elements distract you from the fun vocals and strong composition of the song. Oh, and did we mention there’s a version of Tarzan’s yell within the track? There’s an “oomph” to the arrangements that mixes just the right amount of repetition with melodies that burrow their way into your brain and just live there rent-free forever.
#3: Alannah Myles
“Black Velvet” (1989) Since this song was released in 1989, it may sound a little bit less…well, Capital E “Eighties.” But that's not a bad thing. “Black Velvet” from Alannah Myles is the sort of slinky and sensual blues number that wouldn’t sound out of place on a movie soundtrack. While Myles enjoyed success in her home country of Canada, “Black Velvet” serves as her singular calling card elsewhere in the world. This isn’t taking away anything from Myles as a performer or “Black Velvet” as a song. It stands out from the late-period hair metal and pop that was dominating the charts back in ’89.
#2: Martika
"Toy Soldiers” (1989) 1989 was a good year for pop music. Part of the reason why comes down to Martika’s “Toy Soldiers”. In 1989, she released this fragile and melancholic melody to the masses. Despite its darker tone, it was a number one hit in America that year. There’s a strength and sadness to the tune. The guitar melodies are impeccably produced, the drums are soaked in reverb, and Martika’s vocals tug at the heart strings in the best possible way. We’re not ashamed to say that “Toy Soldiers” still makes us shed a tear to this day. Then again, that’s the power of music, right? Even if you call Martika a one hit wonder, you can’t deny that she created a classic with this tune.
#1: Cutting Crew
“(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” (1986) Admittedly, Cutting Crew hit the top 10 with both “(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” and their follow-up, “I’ve Been in Love Before”. However, the former song has endured far more than that latter as the band's most famous song. And with good reason, too. “(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” is a dramatic New Wave hit that feels larger than life. The guitars are punchy, the synthesizers are perfect and the lyrics are iconic. Front man Nick Van Eede radiates both power and sensitivity as the brooding crooner at the lead of the track. We can’t stop replaying this song on repeat and singing it at karaoke every chance we get. Our love for Cutting Crew’s biggest hit will never die.
